LP To CD-R Levels Low

[reidc]

Hi Kids!
This thread might be more suitable to a CD-R site, and if deemed inappropriate- please refer me somewhere else.

I am trying to record an LP into my computer for transfer to CD(once I clean up some artifacts). In trying to set my levels- I realize that a recorded wav sourced from LP is MUCH lower volume than a wav sourced or recorded from CD.

I will assume its probably my output from my cartridge, but I would like to know if my levels can be boosted SOFTWARE wise without adding much in the way of other noise?

For reference- my hardware is YAMAHA RX-V1000 receiver, and a Bang & Olufson Turntable with B & O MMC-3 Cartridge(moving coil).

For Computer hardware and software, I am using an Atlon 1200- plenty of drive space and 256 meg memory. Soundcard is a SB-Live Value(non 5.1). I have the line input on the card plugged into the receiver output. For Software- I am using WavLab 3.04, although I don't know too much about using it. I use it, mainly for recording of "LIVE Concerts" on VHS- Hifi- because I can easily add track markers for recording to CD.

Anyway- I don't know the output level of my Cartridge, or how I can boost it(short of borrowing a turntable with MM cartridge), or whether I can fix this with software.

Any suggestions?


Thanks,
Chris

[Grant]

I don';t use Wavelab but you should be able to normalize the peaks to 98% or so. If you want to go where commercial CDs are you have to use RMS norm,alization but you may compromise the dynamics, depending on the musical style and the amount of boost/compression/limiting you'll have to use to get there.

If you are using a Soundblastr "LIve" Card you do NOT want to record as loud as possible because SB cards clip at around 90%.

Since you are using a computer you can do your work in 32-bit float. You'll get less degradation of sound.

[Doug Hess Jr.]

Make sure you check the MIXER for BOTH the Wavelab and Windows. Sometimes you can change the levels in a program and they don't always effect the one in Window's itself located by double-clicking on the little yellow speaker on the start bar. You could also use the MIC input to your soundcard and turn down the input level-- or turn off the 20db boost that is usually built in for the MIC input.

[reidc]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. As for settting levels- yes I was max'd out for my line input, and yes I have an SB-Live card.

Upon playback of the wav- I get a slight hum immediattely. Even when just listening through my Stereo- I really have to crank up the volume when playing an LP. Soon as I put in a CD- I get blasted.

I tried using the mic input- but forget that- horrible. I also tried borrowing another turntable thats been in the family for 15 years, but hasn't had any play on the last 10. Its a Technics SLQ300 with an old Shure Presence cartridge(moving magnet).

Normal playback SEEMS louder using turntable, but again upon recording the wav- it seems shallow in volume.

Would a seperate pre-amp plugged into cd or VCR input work better? Would would be a decent preamp to try?

Chris